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Leading the way for 50 years

With half a century of experience, Cotswold Outdoor’s mission remains the same: to help you enjoy getting out in nature

Every kit recommendation and piece of advice from Cotswold Outdoor is rooted in personal experience – from countless walks to daring climbs and stories shared around campfires. Just like you, Cotswold Outdoor has explored new trails, pursued the first light of day and braved the elements.

Close-up on a person wearing sunglasses with branding that reads: Cotswold, The Outdoor People

Because we love the outdoors as much as you do, you can count on Cotswold Outdoor to guide all your adventures. Since 1974, the brand has handled the weather, the terrain and the seasons – and 50 years later it’s still here, doing just that. 

How it started

The business was founded by two everyday adventurers, Tony Ingham and Charlie Barwell. From its humble beginnings, the approach was simple, with value placed on good-quality kit and sound advice from people with personal experience of the outdoors.

Cotswold Outdoor runs its shops in much the same way today, with expert in-store services and a careful selection of the best outdoor brands. Tony and Charlie’s passion to help everyone get outside lives on.

Person camping in the snow with branding saying The Outdoor People

Leading the way for 50 years

With half a century of experience, Cotswold Outdoor’s mission remains the same: to help you enjoy getting out in nature

Every kit recommendation and piece of advice from Cotswold Outdoor is rooted in personal experience – from countless walks to daring climbs and stories shared around campfires. Just like you, Cotswold Outdoor has explored new trails, pursued the first light of day and braved the elements.

Close-up on a person wearing sunglasses with branding that reads: Cotswold, The Outdoor People

Because we love the outdoors as much as you do, you can count on Cotswold Outdoor to guide all your adventures. Since 1974, the brand has handled the weather, the terrain and the seasons – and 50 years later it’s still here, doing just that. 

How it started

The business was founded by two everyday adventurers, Tony Ingham and Charlie Barwell. From its humble beginnings, the approach was simple, with value placed on good-quality kit and sound advice from people with personal experience of the outdoors.

Cotswold Outdoor runs its shops in much the same way today, with expert in-store services and a careful selection of the best outdoor brands. Tony and Charlie’s passion to help everyone get outside lives on.

Two men outside the original Cotswold Camping store

1974: First shop opens

Based in a small outbuilding near Cirencester, Cotswold Camping (as it was then known) quickly becomes a local leader in providing the best-quality outdoor equipment and invaluable expert advice.

Catalogue showing a display for "Calange umbrellas"

1983: First catalogue

Drawing on a decade of product knowledge and experience, Cotswold Camping steps into the world of mail order with its first catalogue, taking a curated selection to a nationwide audience.

Two people wearing Cotswold clothing from the 1990s

1990: Five stores open

Cotswold stores begin to appear across the country. By 1991, five are open to the public and, with increased accessibility, the nation’s passion for outdoor adventure continues to thrive.

Three catalogue models wearing Cotswold clothing outdoors

2000: Website launched

As the world enters a new millennium, Cotswold launches a website. Just like the first catalogue 17 years earlier, the site makes it easier for people to access the kit they need to go out and start their own adventures.

Woman with rucksack smiling and outdoors

Today: New concept stores

Cotswold Outdoor continues to update its stores, including immersive displays, new footwear departments and interactive gadget zones, with the aim of offering a one-of-a-kind in-store experience – all to help you find everything you need to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.

Planning your next big adventure?

Cotswold Outdoor’s in-store experts are passionate about helping you enjoy the outdoors more sustainably – book an appointment and let them assist you in making the right choices when finding kit for your next ramble. Services include outdoor footwear fitting, custom rucksack fitting, creating a bespoke adventure kit list and gear recycling.

Discover more

Two people with rucksacks shown from behind in city environment

We are the Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity. We open the way for everyone to enjoy the simple pleasures of walking. And we step up to protect the places we all love to wander. Click to find out more